Style and Grooming
How Often Should You Shower? Dermatologist Tips on Soap, Water Temperature and Dry Skin
How often should you shower? About once a day, according to a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist. Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal said in September 2026 that showering daily rinses off the allergens we all come into contact with, and can help prevent acne, dandruff and eczema flare ups. [1] The bigger question is how you shower, because hot water, fragrance and too much soap are what dry skin out.
Short answer
- Shower once a day, morning or night.
- Use unscented soap or body wash.
- Sensitive skin? Soap only on the face, armpits and groin.
- Showering twice? Use soap only once.
- Not too hot, and keep it short.
- Moisturize on damp skin after.
What the dermatologist said
From Cleveland Clinic's September 21, 2026 release: [1]
- Shower at least once a day to rinse off allergens.
- With normal skin, soap all over is fine.
- With sensitive or eczema prone skin, soap only needs to go on the face, armpits and groin.
- If you shower more than once a day, use soap only once.
- Pick a non scented soap or body wash, because fragrance can dry and irritate.
- Avoid very hot water.
- In baths, skip bubble bath and heavily fragranced products. Rinse off after bubbles or bath bombs.
Winter adds a twist
In a November 2026 Prevention article, dermatologists recommended keeping showers short and lukewarm, since hot water strips your skin's natural oils, and moisturizing while skin is still damp. [2] That article includes shopping links to one retailer, so this guide uses the advice, not the product picks.
A skin friendly shower routine (original)
- Lukewarm water, about the temperature you would bathe a baby in.
- 5 to 10 minutes is plenty.
- Soap where you need it most: underarms, groin, feet.
- Rinse well, including behind ears and under breasts.
- Pat dry, do not rub.
- Moisturize within three minutes while skin is damp.
Morning or night? (original)
| Morning | Night | |---|---| | Wakes you up | Washes off the day's dirt and pollen | | Good for oily hair | Helps you wind down | | Fresh before work | Keeps sheets cleaner |
Pick what fits your life. If you work out, shower after.
Hair washing is separate (original)
You do not need to shampoo every time you shower. Oily or fine hair may need it daily. Dry, curly or coily hair often does better with washing a few times a week. Rinse and condition in between if you like.
Skipping showers, plainly
Some online trends push skipping showers for a "natural" scent. Going days without washing raises the chance of body odor, clogged pores, skin infections and rashes in skin folds. Washing the key areas daily is the simple middle ground.
Signs your shower is drying you out (original)
- Tight or itchy skin after
- White flakes on your legs
- Red, rough patches
- Your skin feels worse in winter
Fix it with cooler water, shorter showers, unscented products and moisturizer right after.
Body wash vs bar soap (original)
| Type | Good for | Watch for | |---|---|---| | Creamy body wash | Dry or normal skin | Fragrance in many formulas | | Gentle bar soap | Most skin types | Harsh deodorant bars can dry skin | | Benzoyl peroxide wash | Back or chest acne | Can bleach towels | | Oil based wash | Very dry skin | Slippery shower floors |
Choose fragrance free if your skin itches or gets red after showering.
FAQ (original)
Is it bad to shower twice a day? Not if you use soap only once, as Dr. Khetarpal suggested. [1]
Do I need to wash my legs? Rinsing usually works on normal days. Use soap after sweating or getting dirty.
Are hot showers bad for skin? Very hot water dries skin and can make itching worse. Warm is fine.
Should I use a loofah? Only if you replace it often and let it dry fully. A clean washcloth or your hands work too.
Quick takeaway
Shower about once a day, per a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist.
Unscented soap, lukewarm water and short showers protect your skin.
Sensitive skin only needs soap on the face, armpits and groin.
Moisturize while skin is still damp.